Current second-year student Emily Taylor welcomed the scholarship recipients and shared a sentiment of thanks to the donors.

“I, too, am a Blue and White Scholar, and the scholarship has helped me tremendously, both financially and academically. I am completing my degree at this campus, so I will be here when you arrive next year,” she told the high school seniors in attendance. “I look forward to helping you as you begin your college experience at one of the best universities in the world.”

The scholarship recipients were also able to meet faculty and staff at the event, gaining a feel for the campus community. Each student received a certificate from two advisory board members, James Lawrence and Vaughn Gilbert, as Director of Enrollment Management Victoria Garwood read their bios. Photos were taken of the students while they received their certificates, and the photos were printed and framed so the students could write thank you notes on the frames to the benefactors.

Garwood celebrated the achievements of the entering students and praised the generosity of the donors.

“Each of you has made academic and social contributions that we honor today with a confidence that these traits will be evident in all you do during your four years at Penn State," she said, adding, “Penn State Greater Allegheny is able to provide scholarships to those who show academic promise because of individuals who believe in Penn State and pledge their financial support to our students.”